Before I was born, what was I? This question is posed by Stefan Karch at the beginning of this picture book, in which he explores our being and becoming through playful rhymes and associative loops. Carefree and with great casualness, he navigates the diverse and surreal landscapes created by Dorothee Schwab, who presents her most picturesque work to date here. Together, they cautiously and with joyful curiosity approach themes such as identity and the meaning of life, discuss love, and even find a striking image for fear. Where will I live? Will I lose my heart? Do I really want to be born? Despite all these doubts, one thing becomes clear in the end: whether bird or trunked animal, daydreamer or armchair philosopher, life is full of wonderful possibilities.